Background
[0001] Glucose monitoring is a fact of everyday life for diabetic individuals. The accuracy
of such monitoring can significantly affect the health and ultimately the quality
of life of the person with diabetes. Generally, a diabetic patient measures blood
glucose levels several times a day to monitor and control blood sugar levels. Failure
to test blood glucose levels accurately and on a regular basis can result in serious
diabetes-related complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease,
nerve damage and blindness. There are a number of electronic devices currently available
which enable an individual to test the glucose level in a small sample of blood. One
such glucose meter is the OneTouch® Profile ™ glucose meter, a product which is manufactured
by Lifescan.
[0002] In addition to glucose monitoring, diabetic individuals often have to maintain tight
control over their lifestyle, so that they are not adversely affected by, for example,
irregular food consumption or exercise. In addition, a physician dealing with a particular
diabetic individual requires detailed information on the lifestyle of the individual
to provide effective treatment or modification of treatment for controlling diabetes.
Currently, one of the ways of monitoring the lifestyle of an individual with diabetes
has been for the individual to keep a paper logbook of their lifestyle, and to test
their blood glucose on a regular basis, particularly before meals, after meals, and
when fasting. Another way is for an individual to simply rely on remembering facts
about their lifestyle and when they test, and then relay these details to their physician
on each visit.
[0003] The aforementioned methods of recording lifestyle information are inherently difficult,
time consuming, and possibly inaccurate. It's easy to forget to test, and paper logbooks
are not always carried by an individual and may not be accurately completed when required.
Paper logbooks are small and it is difficult to enter detailed information requiring
detailed descriptors of lifestyle events. Furthermore, an individual may often forget
key facts about their lifestyle when questioned by a physician who has to manually
review and interpret information from a hand-written notebook. There is no analysis
provided by the paper logbook to distil or separate the component information, and
there is no way for a paper logbook to proactively remind a user to test. Also, there
are no graphical reductions or summary of the information. Entry of data into a secondary
data storage system, such as a database or other electronic system, requires a laborious
transcription of information, including lifestyle data, into this secondary data storage.
Difficulty of data recordation encourages retrospective entry of pertinent information
that results in inaccurate and incomplete records.
[0004] Moreover, a diabetic individual often has to keep a plurality of devices on their
person for diagnosis and treatment, for example both glucose level monitoring equipment
and medication. Hence, having to carry paper records of their lifestyle and a log
of when they test is an added unwanted burden, and entry of data therein is very time
consuming.
[0005] There currently exist a number of portable electronic devices that can measure glucose
levels in an individual and store the levels for recalling or uploading to another
computer for analysis. One such device is the Accu-Check
™ Complete
™ System from Roche Diagnostics, which provides limited functionality for storing lifestyle
data. However, the Accu-Check
™ Complete
™ System only permits a limited selection of lifestyle variables to be stored in a
meter. There is a no intelligent feedback from values previously entered into the
meter and the user interface is unintuitive for an infrequent user of the meter. In
addition, there is no convenient way to remind the user when to test, and to assure
that tests are being conducted at appropriate times.
Summary of the Disclosure
[0006] Applicants have recognized a need for an electronic device that reminds the user
when to test and that provides assurance that tests are being conducted and recorded
at appropriate times. Such device must be intuitive and easier to use, thereby encouraging
an individual to test at appropriate times. Appropriate times should be taken to mean
times that are particularly relevant to management of diabetes, and which might affect
or represent an individual's physical condition. Examples of appropriate times are
before and after food consumption, before and after physical exertion (e.g. exercise),
before and after medication intake, and after fasting.
[0007] In view of the foregoing and in accordance with one aspect, there is provided a method
of operating an analyte measurement device having a display, user interface, processor,
memory and user interface buttons, the method can be achieved by measuring an analyte
with the analyte measurement device; displaying a value representative of the analyte;
prompting a user to activate a test reminder; and activating the test reminder to
remind a user to conduct a test measurement at a different time.
[0008] In an embodiment, the prompting includes repetitively flashing on the display an
icon representative of one of the user interface buttons to prompt a selection of
such user interface button.
[0009] In an embodiment, the prompting includes illuminating one of the user interface buttons
to prompt a selection of such user interface button.
[0010] In an embodiment, the method further includes disabling all of the user interface
buttons except for one of the user interface buttons.
[0011] In an embodiment, the user interface buttons include an up button, a down button,
an enter button, and a test reminder button.
[0012] In an embodiment, the test reminder includes a before meal test reminder or an after
meal test reminder.
[0013] In an embodiment, the test reminder includes an after meal test reminder.
[0014] In an embodiment, the prompting includes always prompting a user whenever a measuring
step has been completed.
[0015] In an embodiment, the prompting includes prompting a user whenever a measuring step
was taken before a meal.
[0016] In an embodiment, the activating includes storing in memory the date and time to
display the test reminder.
[0017] In an embodiment, the analyte measurement device includes a glucose meter.
[0018] In an embodiment, the measuring includes inserting a test strip into a strip port
provided by the measurement device; and depositing a blood sample on a testing portion
of the test strip without entering a calibration parameter for the test strip.
[0019] In an embodiment, the measuring includes inserting a test strip into a strip port
provided by the measurement device; inputting a calibration parameter for the test
strip via the user interface buttons of the device; and depositing a blood sample
on a testing portion of the test strip.
[0020] In an embodiment, the inserting includes turning on the measurement device when the
strip is fully inserted into the strip port.
[0021] In an embodiment, the plurality of menus to be displayed is selected.
[0022] In an embodiment, the plurality of menus includes at least one time for the test
reminder.
[0023] In view of the foregoing and in accordance with another aspect, there is provided
a method of operating an analyte measurement device having a display, user interface,
processor, memory and user interface buttons, the method can be achieved by pressing
one of the user interface buttons to turn the analyte measurement device on, prompting
a user to confirm selection of a test reminder, and pressing one of the user interface
buttons to confirm selection of a test reminder.
[0024] In an embodiment, the prompting includes repetitively flashing on the display an
icon representative of one of the user interface buttons to prompt selection of such
user interface button.
[0025] In an embodiment, the prompting includes illuminating one of the user interface buttons
to prompt a selection of such user interface button.
[0026] In an embodiment, the method further includes disabling all of the user interface
buttons except for one of the user interface buttons.
[0027] In an embodiment, the user interface buttons include an up button, a down button,
an enter button, and a test reminder button.
[0028] In an embodiment, the test reminder includes a before meal test reminder or an after
meal test reminder.
[0029] In an embodiment, the test reminder includes an after meal test reminder.
[0030] In an embodiment, the confirming includes storing in memory the date and time to
display the test reminder.
[0031] In an embodiment, the analyte measurement device includes a glucose meter.
[0032] In an embodiment, the plurality of menus to be displayed is selected.
[0033] In an embodiment, the plurality of menus includes at least one time for the test
reminder.
[0034] In view of the foregoing and in accordance with another aspect, there is provided
an analyte measurement device comprising a housing having: a strip port coupled to
an analyte measurement unit; a processor coupled to the analyte measurement unit,
a memory, user interface input, and a display driver; a display unit coupled to the
display driver; and a plurality of user interface buttons including a test reminder
button so that upon activation of the test reminder button, a time and date can be
stored in the memory to remind the user to conduct a measurement.
[0035] These and other embodiments, features and advantages will become apparent to those
skilled in the art when taken with reference to the following more detailed description
of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that are first briefly
described.
Brief Description of the Figures
[0036] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this
specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and, together
with the general description given above and the detailed description given below,
serve to explain features of the invention (wherein like numerals represent like elements),
of which:
[0037] Figure 1 is an exemplary plan view of an analyte measurement device, according to
an embodiment.
[0038] Figure 2 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating the principal internal components
of an analyte measurement device, according to an embodiment.
[0039] Figure 3 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating an analyte
measurement device, according to an embodiment.
[0040] Figure 4 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating an analyte
measurement device when only a single user interface button on the analyte measurement
device is active, according to an embodiment.
[0041] Figure 5 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating an analyte
measurement device where a user is prompted to activate a test reminder whenever a
previous measuring process was taken before a meal, according to an embodiment.
[0042] Figure 6 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating an analyte
measurement device where the date and time to display a test reminder are stored in
the memory of an analyte measurement device, according to an embodiment.
[0043] Figure 7 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating an analyte
measurement device after inserting a test strip into a strip port in the analyte measurement
device, according to an embodiment.
[0044] Figure 8 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating an analyte
measurement device after inserting a test strip into a strip port in the analyte measurement
device and either entering or confirming calibration parameters of the test strip,
according to an embodiment.
[0045] Figure 9 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating an analyte
measurement device after inserting a test strip into a strip port in the analyte measurement
device thereby turning the analyte measurement device on, according to an embodiment.
[0046] Figure 10 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating an analyte
measurement device where the analyte measurement device is turned on by pressing a
user interface button, a user is prompted to confirm selection of a test reminder,
and a user interface button is pressed to confirm selection of a test reminder, according
to an embodiment.
[0047] Figure 11 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating an analyte
measurement device when only a single user interface button on the analyte measurement
device is active, according to an embodiment.
[0048] Figure 12 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating an analyte
measurement device where the date and time to display a test reminder are stored in
the memory of an analyte measurement device, according to an embodiment.
[0049] Figure 13 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating an analyte
measurement device and actions taken by the analyte measurement device, according
to an embodiment.
Detailed Description of the Figures
[0050] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings,
in which like elements in different drawings are identically numbered. The drawings,
which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended
to limit the scope of the invention. The detailed description illustrates by way of
example, not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This description
will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes
several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention,
including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention.
[0051] Figure 1 illustrates an analyte measurement device 100, for testing glucose levels
in the blood of an individual. Analyte measurement device 100 may include user interface
buttons (106, 108, 110, 114) for entry of data, navigation of menus, and execution
of commands. Data can include values representative of analyte concentration, and/or
information, which are related to the everyday lifestyle of an individual. Information,
which is related to the everyday lifestyle, can include food intake, medication use,
the occurrence of health check-ups and general health condition and exercise levels
of an individual. Analyte measurement device 100 also may include display 104. Display
104 can be used to report measured glucose levels, and to facilitate entry of lifestyle
related information.
[0052] Analyte measurement device 100 may include first user interface button 106, second
user interface button 108, third user interface button 110, and test reminder button
114. User interface buttons 106, 108, and 110 facilitate entry and analysis of data
stored in the testing device, enabling a user to navigate through the user interface
displayed on display 104. Test reminder button 114 allows test reminders to be set.
User interface buttons 106, 108, and 110 include first marking 107, second marking
109, and third marking 111, which help in correlating user interface buttons to characters
on display 104. Test reminder button 114 can include markings as well, helping to
correlate test reminder button 114 with to characters on display 104.
[0053] Analyte measurement device 100 can be turned on by inserting a test strip 10 into
strip port 112, by pressing and briefly holding first user interface button 106, or
when data traffic is detected across optional data port 113. Analyte measurement device
100 can be switched off by removing the test strip 10, pressing and briefly holding
first user interface button 106, navigating to and selecting a meter off option from
a main menu screen, or by not pressing any buttons for a predetermined time. Display
104 can optionally include a backlight. The test strip port 112 may include its own
light source or the port 112 may share a common light source with the backlight for
the display 104.
[0054] Data port 113 is optional, and accepts a suitable connector attached to a connecting
lead, thereby allowing analyte measurement device 100 to be linked to an external
device such as a personal computer. Data port 113 can be any port that allows for
transmission of data (serial or parallel) such as, for example, serial or parallel
port in wired or wireless form. A personal computer, running appropriate software,
allows entry and modification of set-up information (e.g. the current time, date,
and language), and can perform analysis of data collected by analyte measurement device
100. In addition, the personal computer may be able to perform advanced analysis functions,
and/or transmit data to other computers (i.e. over the internet) for improved diagnosis
and treatment. Connecting analyte measurement device 100 with a local or remote computer
facilitates improved treatment by health care providers.
[0055] Referring to Fig. 2, an exemplary internal layout of analyte measurement device 100
is shown. Analyte measurement device 100 may include a processor 200, which in some
embodiments described and illustrated herein is a 32-bit RISC microcontroller. The
processor can be bi-directionally connected via I/O ports 214 to memory 202, which
in some embodiments described and illustrated herein is an EEPROM. Also connected
to processor 200 via I/O ports 214 are the data port 113, the user interface buttons
106, 108, 110, and 114, and a display driver 236. Data port 113 can be connected to
processor 200, thereby enabling transfer of data between memory 202 and an external
device, such as a personal computer. User interface buttons 106, 108, 110, and 114
are directly connected to processor 200. Processor 200 controls display 104 via display
driver 236.
[0056] In embodiments described and illustrated herein, analyte measurement device 100 may
include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) 204, providing electronic
circuitry used in measurements of glucose level in blood that has been applied to
a test strip 10 inserted into strip port 112. Analog voltages can pass to and from
ASIC 204 by way of analog interface 205. Analog signals from analog interface 205
can be converted to digital signals by A/D converter 216. Processor 200 further may
include core 208, ROM 210 (containing computer code), RAM 212, and clock 218. In one
embodiment, the processor 200 is configured (or programmed) to disable all of the
user interface buttons except for a single button upon a display of an analyte value
by the display unit such as, for example, during a time period after an analyte measurement.
In an alternative embodiment, the processor 200 is configured (or programmed) to ignore
any input from all of the user interface buttons except for a single button upon a
display of an analyte value by the display unit.
[0057] Figure 3 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating an analyte
measurement device, according to an embodiment described and illustrated herein. Method
300 may include processes 302, 304, 306, and 308. In process 302, an analyte-measuring
device measures an analyte. In process 304, the analyte measuring device displays
a value representative of the analyte. In process 306, the analyte measuring device
prompts the user to activate a test reminder. In process 308, the user activates a
test reminder to remind a user to conduct a test measurement at a different time.
In any embodiments described and illustrated herein, the analyte measurement device
may include a display, a user interface, a processor, a memory and user interface
buttons. In any embodiments described and illustrated herein, prompting may include
repetitively flashing on the display an icon representative of one of the user interface
buttons to prompt selection of such user interface button. In any embodiments described
and illustrated herein, prompting may include illuminating at least one of the user
interface buttons to prompt selection of at least one user interface button. It is
noted that the reminder is not limited to before meal or after meal but can be utilized
any specific time selected by the user, patient or physician.
[0058] Figure 4 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating an analyte
measurement device when only a single user interface button on the analyte measurement
device is active, according to an embodiment described and illustrated herein. Method
400 may include processes 402, 404, 406, 408, and 410. In process 402, an analyte-measuring
device measures an analyte. In process 404, the analyte measuring device displays
a value representative of the analyte. In process 406, the analyte measuring device
prompts the user to activate a test reminder. In process 408, the analyte measuring
device deactivates all but a single user interface button. In process 410, the user
activates the test reminder to remind the user to conduct a test measurement at a
different time. In any embodiments described and illustrated herein, user interface
buttons may include an "up" button, a "down" button, an "enter" or "OK" button, and
a test reminder button. In any embodiments described and illustrated herein, the test
reminder can include a before meal test reminder or an after meal test reminder. In
any embodiments described and illustrated herein, the test reminder can be an after
meal test reminder.
[0059] Figure 5 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating an analyte
measurement device where a user is prompted to activate a test reminder whenever a
previous measuring process was taken before a meal, according to an embodiment described
and illustrated herein. Method 500 may include processes 502, 504, 506, and 508. In
process 502, an analyte-measuring device measures an analyte. In process 504, the
analyte measuring device displays a value representative of the analyte. In process
506, the analyte measuring device prompts the user to activate a test reminder whenever
a previous measuring process was taken before a meal. In process 508, the user activates
a test reminder to remind the user to conduct a test measurement at a different time.
In any embodiments described and illustrated herein, the analyte measuring device
may prompt the user to activate a test reminder whenever a measuring process has been
completed.
[0060] Figure 6 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating an analyte
measurement device where the date and time to display a test reminder are stored in
the memory of an analyte measurement device, according to an embodiment described
and illustrated herein. Method 600 may include processes 602, 604, 606, and 608. In
process 602, an analyte-measuring device measures an analyte. In process 604, the
analyte measuring device displays a value representative of the analyte. In process
606, the analyte measuring device prompts the user to activate a test reminder. In
process 608, the user activates a test reminder to remind the user to conduct a test
measurement at a different time by storing in the memory of the analyte measurement
device the date and time to display the test reminder. In any embodiments described
and illustrated herein, the analyte measuring device may include a glucose meter.
[0061] Figure 7 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating an analyte
measurement device after inserting a test strip 10 into a strip port 112 in the analyte
measurement device, according to an embodiment described and illustrated herein. Method
700 may include processes 702, 704, 706, 708, and 710. In process 702, a test strip
10 is inserted into a strip port in an analyte measurement device. In process 704,
blood is applied to a test portion (the portion distal from the strip port 112) of
the test strip 10 without entering or confirming calibration parameters of the test
strip 10. In process 706, the analyte measuring device displays a value representative
of the analyte. In process 708, the analyte measuring device prompts the user to activate
a test reminder. In process 710, the user activates a test reminder to remind the
user to conduct a test measurement at a different time. In any embodiments described
and illustrated herein, measuring may include: inserting a test strip 10 into a strip
port in the analyte measurement device, then depositing a sample of blood on a testing
portion of the test strip 10 without entering a calibration parameter for the test
strip 10.
[0062] Figure 8 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating an analyte
measurement device after inserting a test strip 10 into a strip port in the analyte
measurement device and either entering or confirming calibration parameters of the
test strip 10, according to an embodiment described and illustrated herein. Method
800 may include processes 802, 804, 806, 808, and 810. In process 802, a test strip
10 is inserted into a strip port in an analyte measurement device. In process 804,
blood is applied to a test portion of the test strip 10 after entering or confirming
calibration parameters of the test strip 10. In process 806, the analyte measuring
device displays a value representative of the analyte. In process 808, the analyte
measuring device prompts the user to activate a test reminder. In process 810, the
user activates a test reminder to remind the user to conduct a test measurement at
a different time. In any embodiments described and illustrated herein, the measuring
may include: inserting a test strip 10 into a strip port in the measurement device;
inputting a calibration parameter for the test strip 10 via the user interface buttons
of the device; and depositing a blood sample on a testing portion of the test strip
10.
[0063] Figure 9 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating an analyte
measurement device after inserting a test strip 10 into a strip port in the analyte
measurement device thereby turning the analyte measurement device on, according to
an embodiment described and illustrated herein. Method 900 may include processes 902,
904, 906, 908, and 910. In process 902, a test strip 10 is inserted into a strip port
in an analyte measurement device, thereby turning it on. In process 904, blood is
applied to a test portion of the test strip 10 without entering or confirming calibration
parameters of the test strip 10. In process 906, the analyte measuring device displays
a value representative of the analyte. In process 908, the analyte measuring device
prompts the user to activate a test reminder. In process 910, the user activates a
test reminder to remind the user to conduct a test measurement at a different time.
In any embodiments described and illustrated herein, inserting may include turning
on the measurement device when the strip is fully inserted into the strip port. In
any embodiments described and illustrated herein, a plurality of menus may be displayed.
In any embodiments described and illustrated herein, one of a plurality of menus may
include at least one amount of elapsed time for the test reminder.
[0064] Figure 10 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating an analyte
measurement device where the analyte measurement device is turned on by pressing a
user interface button, a user is prompted to confirm selection of a test reminder,
and a user interface button is pressed to confirm selection of a test reminder, according
to an embodiment described and illustrated herein. Method 1000 may include processes
1002, 1004, and 1006. In process 1002, the user presses a user interface button to
turn the analyte measurement device on. In process 1004, the analyte measuring device
prompts the user to confirm selection of a test reminder. In process 1006, the user
presses a user interface button to confirm selection of a test reminder. In any embodiments
described and illustrated herein, prompting may include repetitively flashing on the
display an icon representative of a single user interface button to prompt selection
of the single user interface button. In any embodiments described and illustrated
herein, prompting may include illuminating at least one of the user interface buttons
to prompt selection of at least one user interface button.
[0065] Figure 11 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating an analyte
measurement device when only a single user interface button on the analyte measurement
device is active, according to an embodiment described and illustrated herein. Method
1100 may include processes 1102, 1104, 1006, and 1108. In process 1102, the user presses
a user interface button to turn the analyte measurement device on. In process 1104,
the analyte measuring device prompts the user to confirm selection of a test reminder.
In process 1106, all but a single user interface button on the analyte measurement
device are deactivated. In process 1108, the user presses the single activated user
interface button to confirm selection of a test reminder. In any embodiments described
and illustrated herein, the user interface buttons may comprise an up button, a down
button, an enter button, and a test reminder button. In any embodiments described
and illustrated herein, the test reminder may comprise a before meal test reminder
or an after meal test reminder. In any embodiments described and illustrated herein,
the test reminder may comprise an after meal test reminder.
[0066] Figure 12 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating an analyte
measurement device where the date and time to display a test reminder are stored in
the memory of an analyte measurement device, according to an embodiment described
and illustrated herein. Method 1200 may include processes 1202, 1204, and 1206. In
process 1202, the user presses a user interface button to turn the analyte measurement
device on.
In process 1204, the analyte measuring device prompts the user to confirm selection
of a test reminder. In process 1206, the user presses the single activated user interface
button to confirm selection of a test reminder and to store in the memory of said
analyte measurement device the date and time to display said test reminder. In any
embodiments described and illustrated herein, the analyte measurement device may comprise
a glucose meter. In any embodiments described and illustrated herein, the method may
further comprise selecting a plurality of menus to be displayed. In any embodiments
described and illustrated herein, plurality of menus may comprise at least one elapsed
time for the test reminder.
[0067] Figure 13 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating an analyte
measurement device and actions taken by the analyte measurement device, according
to an embodiment described and illustrated herein. Method 1300 may include processes
1302, 1304, 1306, 1308, 1310, 1312, 1314, 1316, 1318, and 1320. In process 1302, a
user inserts a test strip 10 into a strip port in an analyte measurement device. In
process 1304, the analyte measuring device turns on. In process 1306, the analyte-measuring
device displays an LCD check screen. In process 1308, the analyte measuring device
displays a sample application prompt. In process 1310, the user applies sample to
the test strip 10. In process 1312, the analyte measuring device displays a series
of countdown screens. In process 1314, the analyte measuring device displays a value
representative of the analyte and prompts the user to activate a test reminder. In
process 1316, the user optionally activates a test reminder, causing the date and
time for the test reminder to be displayed to be stored in the memory of the analyte
measurement device. In process 1318, the analyte measurement device optionally displays
a test reminder confirmation. In process 1320, the analyte measurement device turns
off after a predetermined time, with or without interaction from the user.
[0068] In conclusion, the testing device and methods described and illustrated herein significantly
reduce obstacles associated with blood glucose testing. The present invention promotes
frequent monitoring for diabetic individuals by providing a simple, efficient way
of reminding a user to test. By testing in the manner described herein, it is easier
for a user to establish proper testing frequency, and provide vital information to
health care practitioners.
[0069] While the invention has been described in terms of particular variations and illustrative
figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention is not
limited to the variations or figures described. In addition, where methods and process
described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, those of ordinary
skill in the art will recognize that the ordering of certain process may be modified
and that such modifications are in accordance with the variations of the invention.
Additionally, certain of the process may be performed concurrently in a parallel process
when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. Therefore, to
the extent there are variations of the invention, which are within the spirit of the
disclosure or equivalent to the inventions found in the claims, it is the intent that
this patent will cover those variations as well.
1. A method of operating an analyte measurement device having a display, user interface,
processor, memory and user interface buttons, the method comprising:
measuring an analyte with the analyte measurement device;
displaying a value representative of the analyte;
prompting a user to activate a test reminder; and,
activating the test reminder to remind a user to conduct a test measurement at a different
time.
2. A method of operating an analyte measurement device having a display, user interface,
processor, memory and user interface buttons, the method comprising:
pressing one of the user interface buttons to turn the analyte measurement device
on;
prompting a user to confirm selection of a test reminder; and,
pressing one of the user interface buttons to confirm selection of a test reminder.
3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, in which the prompting comprises repetitively flashing
on the display an icon representative of one of the user interface buttons, or illuminating
one of the user interface buttons, to prompt a selection of such user interface button.
4. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising disabling all of the user interface
buttons except for one of the user interface buttons.
5. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, in which the user interface buttons comprise an
up button, a down button, an enter button, and a test reminder button.
6. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, in which the test reminder comprises at least one
of a before meal test reminder or an after meal test reminder, preferably an after
meal test reminder.
7. The method of claim 1, in which the prompting comprises always prompting a user whenever
a measuring step has been completed.
8. The method of claim 1, in which the prompting comprises prompting a user whenever
a previous measuring step was taken before a meal.
9. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, in which the activating or confirming comprises
storing in memory the date and time to display the test reminder.
10. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, in which the analyte measurement device comprises
a glucose meter.
11. The method of claim 1, in which the measuring comprises:
inserting a test strip into a strip port provided by the measurement device;
optionally, inputting a calibration parameter for the test strip via the user interface
buttons of the device; and
depositing a blood sample on a testing portion of the test strip.
12. The method of claim 1, in which the inserting comprises turning on the measurement
device when the strip is fully inserted into the strip port.
13. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising selecting a plurality of menus
to be displayed.
14. The method of claim 13, in which the plurality of menus comprise at least one time
for the test reminder.
15. An analyte measurement device comprising:
a housing having:
a strip port coupled to an analyte measurement unit;
a processor coupled to the analyte measurement unit, a memory, user interface input,
and a display driver;
a display unit coupled to the display driver; and
a plurality of user interface buttons including a test reminder button so that upon
activation of the test reminder button, a time and date can be stored in the memory
to remind the user to conduct a measurement.